Malawi and Zimbabwe have stressed the need for strong relations between the two countries through increased trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Second Vice-President Enock Chihana and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the commitment on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Heads of State and Government in Durban, South Africa, according to a statement from the Office of the Second Vice-President.
The duo reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with discussions focusing on opportunities to expand economic and development partnerships.
During the meeting, Chihana, who led the Malawi delegation to the summit, also conveyed President Peter Mutharika’s appreciation for Zimbabwe’s role as a strategic partner in Malawi’s economic development.
“We talked about many issues but the most critical ones were regional cooperation and how to deal with economic challenges in the Sadc region, trade facilitation, security collaboration and investment opportunities,” Chihana is quoted as having said.
He said the discussions reflected the importance of strengthening cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda and other senior Malawi Government officials.
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa has handed over the Sadc chairmanship to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the summit, which is bringing together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, integration and development priorities for the bloc.
Chihana is representing Mutharika at the summit, which is considering regional cooperation, development, peace and security matters among member States.
The 46th Sadc Summit is being held under the theme ‘Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world’, with leaders expected to discuss priorities for regional integration and development.
